Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland and Newcastle United are getting set to do battle over Birmingham City's Craig Gardner.
skysports.com suggests that the Black Cats are keen to cover the loss of Jordan Henderson to Liverpool by preparing a £5million offer for the 24-year old midfielder.
With Birmingham going down to the Championship, Gardner has become a strong target for some Premier League clubs with Newcastle believed to be extremely keen.
But it looks as though the derby rivals may have to go head-to-head for the signature of the former Aston Villa man.
